Here’s what Evans’ potential infrastructure tax hike would go toward

Evans residents got more clarity during a city council work session Tuesday night about how a potential tax hike for infrastructure maintenance would be spent.

Should it make the ballot and pass in November, the measure would provide an estimated $2.7 million in additional annual revenue to help repair Evans' infrastructure.

Next steps

The council has until July 27 to conduct a first reading of a potential tax-hike ballot measure and likely would vote on adding the measure to the ballot Aug. 21.

That $2.7 million is up from an initial projection of $2.2 million. The original figure was based solely on a sales tax hike from 3.5 percent to 4.5 percent. The updated projection also factors in an increase in vehicle and building use taxes, also from 3.5 percent to 4.5 percent. During her presentation to council, Evans Assistant City Manager Jessica Gonifas said municipalities typically escalate use taxes when they raise the sales tax.

"It's my feeling that if you're going to do one tax, you've got to do them all," Evans Mayor Brian Rudy said.

Gonifas also provided council a list of necessary projects she said would not be completed with Evans' current infrastructure budget. That includes full overlays for the following roads:

» 32nd Avenue from 17th Avenue to 11th Avenue

» 37th Street from 47th Avenue to 65th Avenue

» 35th Avenue from 32nd Street to 49th Street

» 49th Street from 47th Avenue to 65th Avenue

» 65th Avenue from 40th Street south

The additional revenue also would pay for the paving of the following dirt roads, which Gonifas likewise said would remain unpaved if the tax hike doesn't pass:

» Pueblo Street from 40th Street to 37th Street

» 38th Street from Empire Street to Pueblo Street

» Idaho Street

» 40th Street from Idaho Street to Central Street

» 41st Street from Idaho Street to Denver Street

The tax hike, should it pass, would sunset after seven years.

— Tommy Wood covers education and Evans city government for The Tribune. You can reach him at (970) 392-4470, twood@greeleytribune.com or on Twitter @woodstein72.